The New York Auto Show is the last big North American show on the calendar until the cycle starts over again in November on the West Coast. Media days start tomorrow (Wednesday) and more announcements will certainly be coming, but in the meantime, Brother Ralph over at Dodge has jumped the gun (or not) with this video for the 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T.

The Avenger has been around for a few years now, mainly profiting from its previous role as the Sebring’s shy brother. That shyness likely protected it while the Sebring took an epic ass-kicking in the marketplace, so much so that it was replaced by the Chrysler 200 in the most recent redesign cycle.

The new platform already addressed a number of issues – perceived or not – with this body and Dodge has decided that laurels are not for resting on, so for 2012 a little R/T treatment is called for. Suspension updates lead the list for this sedan that combines a reasonable power level with pretty good real-world fuel management.

For sure, this Imported from Detroit sedan is going to feel a whole lot different from its current self with improvements in roll stiffness and adjustments in spring rates and damper curves.

A larger rear anti-sway bar has Gilles gloating in the video and there’s certainly no doubt that a little tail-happiness is good for the soul, but we’re going to reserve judgment on overall performance until some realistic numbers start appearing.

Everyone around us these days is trying to get us to downsize as the Congressional CAFE requirements loom ever closer. If you’re over 25 with a wife and a kid, there is little doubt that your first car should probably have four doors. If it is also your only car, the Avenger R/T might be a reasonable selection. It’s not the only one, but there’s little doubt that Dodge is still trying to earn your business.

In the video below, Dodge President/CEO Ralph Gilles and Dodge Avenger Brand Manager Pieter Hogeveen give you a peak at what they call the “greatest American hero,” which will start flying into dealer showrooms during the third quarter of this year.